JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3co200
Propanoic acid is treated with BrX2 and red phosphorus, then HX2O; the product is boiled with excess aqueous KOH and then acidified. The final organic product is
A3-hydroxypropanoic acid
Bpropane-1,2-diol
Cprop-2-enoic acid
D2-hydroxypropanoic acid
Answer: D
HVZ bromination gives 2-bromopropanoic acid. Aqueous hydroxide replaces the alpha bromine by hydroxyl through substitution (elimination would need alcoholic KOH), and acidification gives 2-hydroxypropanoic acid (lactic acid).